The Independent Scout Movement 1970s onwards.

Independent Scout Organisations.
By far the greatest turmoil in the history of the Scout movement was the
great scout schism of December 1909, which led, if only for a short period,
to two movements competing world wide. The British Boy Scouts became the
only organisation left from the World schism, but their membership of some
40,000 dwindled to around 40 Troops in the 1920s. The Association changed
its name in 1932 to "The Brotherhood of British Scouts". Membership further
reduced to 1 troop by 1970. Although during the 1920s in the UK, further
discontent led to the Woodcraft movements and the short lived Alliance of
Independent Scouts, the Boy Scouts Association had maintained an equilibrium
avoiding further schism. There had been vocal protests, such as in 1956 when
an upper age limit of 24 was imposed on the Rover Scout Section (17+ age
group). The protests died down, especially in areas where such an imposition
was ignored and where the dictum 'once a scout' expanded to 'once a Rover
Scout, always a Rover Scout', had taken root. A local example of this was
the 11th Harrow under the leadership of the Reverend Montague J Eyden, Group
Scoutmaster. Mont had been involved in Scouting for many years and had
demonstrated his enthusiasm for Rovering having founded the St Stephen's
House Rover Crew in 1932, as an Ordinand at Oxford #1. David Beaven a member
of the St Stephen's House Rover Crew in 1979 had been a member of the 11th
Harrow and reported the fact that Rovers had continued in the 11th Harrow
beyond 24 years of age #2. Official membership returns, included such Rovers,
who were not Scout leaders as 'Service Auxiliaries'.

The picture was to alter ten years later in 1966 when sweeping changes were
introduced at every level of the organisation B-P had founded in the United
Kingdom, and phased in over a five year period 1966-1971. The Report initiating
the changes was titled 'The Advance Party Report' #3. Considering the public
image of the 'Boy Scouts' to be juvenile, the word 'boy' was dropped from
the title, and long trousers were introduced as part of the improved 'adult'
image they sought to adopt. Other changes saw the removal of many of the
local options on uniform, ie, option to wear Stetson (Scout hat) removed,
and the Beret becoming the only headgear allowed. A long sleeved shirt restricted
to a single colour, rather than a local choice of one of four colours. Scout
Leaders could no longer remain as Scout leaders, or wear uniform beyond 65
years of age. The Rover Scout section (17-24) and Senior Scout section (15-18)
were abolished in favour of a single section 'Venture Scouts' (16-21) lowering
the upper age limit. The 10 Scout Laws equated by some as Moses' Decalogue
were replaced by 7 Scout Laws reframed in conformity to the new thinking.
The traditional names for the awards were amended. Scout Standard replaced
Second Class, Advanced Scout Standard replaced First Class. 'Wolf Cubs' based
on Kipling's Jungle Books were outdated and replaced by 'Cub Scouts'.

Examples of Troops ignoring the changes will be hard to find. With such a
revolution it was almost impossible to escape the changes at a local level.
John Clifford in charge of a Troop sponsored by a Roman Catholic Church managed
to retain a traditional image until 1984, when "hassle and pressure from
Scout HQ" brought an end to the isolated stand. John did not conform but
transformed his energies into running an 'Adventure Club' #4.

By 1968 following the changes brought about by the Advance Party Report,
the membership totals went down by some 26,049 members and 3,420 leaders
#5. The movement as in its original guise as envisaged by 'Scouting for Boys'
was (with the exception of independent scouts), over. The last two decades
have seen the redemption of lost numbers, by the addition of a new section,
Beavers, for 6-8 years of age. Whilst the Advance Party Report sought an
adult image, the reality has been that it is ceasing to be a youth organisation,
and identifies by membership more as a childrens organisation. The
average age of membership has decreased to the point that the majority of
its membership is under 11 years of age, reversing the position held before
the Report! Perhaps not unconnected with the changes, in 1967 the year after
the Report, the very book that had given birth to the movement 'Scouting
for Boys', had begun its declining sales, to become by 1979 "an historical
curiosity" #6.

The Baden-Powell Scouts Association (BPSA) / World Federation of Independent
Scouts.
In 1969, a pressure group within the newly named 'Scout Association', 'The
Scout Action Group' sought to retain a traditional stance for those Groups
choosing so. Mid 1970, SAG issued 'The Boy Scout Black Paper' which contained
many of their arguments. Failing in their aims, it was this group that on
the 20th September 1970, formed the 'Baden-Powell Scouts Association'. For
11 years (1979-1990) through internal arguments the B-P Scouts divided into
two separate Associations, each claiming the right to the Association's name
and Charity number. Reconciliation eventually came about in June 1990 #7.
Having begun with a few troops in 1970, the Baden-Powell Scouts slowly expanded,
even within the two separate halves to nearly 70 Groups in 1994. . In the
late 1990s the BPSA of England created the World Federation of Independent
Scouts. Despite the gains within this World organisation, a series of
scandals involving sexual offences against young people tarnished the reputation
of the Baden-Powell Scouts Associationin England
with
the jailing of a number of leaders in 1987, and 1999 for paedophile offences.
This caused a severe decline in Troop numbers to circa 40 Troops in 2001.
Although such as the main Association in England, has not entirely been free
from such events, the very scale of those involved in comparison to the small
UK membership is a cause of concern.

Federation du Scoutisme Europeen (FSE).
In 1952/3 Frederick Von Perko founded a group known as the 'Europa Scouts'
in Austria. His aim was to encourage the unity of European Scouting along
strong Christian lines. The inspiration for Perko was the fellowship, both
in Scouting and of a common Christian faith he received at the 1951 Bad Ischi
Jamboree, when Scout leaders from many different European countries camped
together.

Perko shared in joint camps with German Scouts and at one of the camps a
French Scoutmaster Jean Claude Alain, who led an exiled Russian Orthodox
Group, came into contact with Scout leaders who had formed the 'Bund Europaischer
Pfadfinder'. In November 1956, Alain formed an alliance with the BEP under
the title, 'Federation du Scoutisme Europeen'. These original groups were
joined by further FSE groups founded in France (1958), Britain (1959) and
Belgium (1960).

In 1960 the FSE only consisted of a few groups in each country and, in Britain's
case representation was by a single troop holding its meetings in the
Co-operative Hall in Kentish Town London. Peter Chambers, the founder of
the British FSE had come into contact with the organisation in Germany in
1958, where he became an Assistant Scoutmaster. On his return to England,
he founded the Kentish Town FSE Group, which was officially registered in
January 1959. One sign of unity in the Federal arrangement was that, besides
the National Commissioners, a Federal Commissioner was elected representing
the organisation as a whole #8.

In 1965 the British FSE was challenged by the Boy Scouts Association over
the use of names and titles protected by the 1926 Chartered Associations
(protection of name and uniform) Act. Further than the 1926 Act went, the
Boy Scouts Association even questioned the use of the word 'scout' by the
British FSE. Chambers gave an undertaking to the Legal Secretary of the Boy
Scouts Association that the FSE would no longer use the term 'Scout' substituting
'Explorer' instead. Other terms within the Scout scheme were changed as well.
'Tracker' instead of 'Cub', The designs of proficiency badges were to be
altered, so as not to be copies of the Boy Scout Association's. Law and Promise
were to be rewritten, so as not to be a copy of the Boy Scout Association's
#9.

The FSE in England made little progress until the late 1960s, when 'breakaway'
troops from The Scout Association joined. Although the British FSE's own
history states that they "did not make any attempt to attract 'breakaway'
groups" to the FSE #10, a public meeting was called on the 10th January 1970
to attract new membership due to the dissatisfaction with the Advance Party
Report #11. The potential for growth in this way had already been established
by the fact that three ex-Scout Association Scout leaders had already joined
(in 1969) and were running Troops within the FSE #12. By the mid 1970s the
FSE in England had grown to around 20 Groups #13 stabilising at this number
through the following two decades.

The unity of the European Scout movement was more apparent than real, centring
around the issue of whether the FSE should be exclusively Christian or not.
Arguments spanned eight years 1953-1961. Early on the Europa Scouts had gone
their own way. In 1962 the main Association in France 'Scouts de France'
(the Catholic organisation) had begun their equivalent of the British Advance
Party Report, thus the FSE became a means of continuing traditional Scouting.
On 21st August 1962 at Treguier, the French FSE relaunched with new vigour
as the 'Scout et Guide d' Europe', along the lines of the original Europa
Scouts. The German FSE sought to introduce a Constitution in April 1962,
but the French refused to sign. In November 1962 the original 1956 Federation
agreement was dissolved. The following March on the 15th the 'Contrat Federal
a Paris' was signed, by the four member countries, France, Germany, Belgium
and Britain. From now on the FSE was only open to Christians. Peter Chambers
signed for Britain with a reservation 'That the English section of the FSE
embraces all faiths'. Not all of the French FSE agreed with the new direction
and in 1962, a schismatic organisation was created, FSE-Province d'Alsace.
By 1968 the membership of the French FSE had passed the 10,000 mark, and
had become the leading force in the FSE #14.

The Dutch FSE was registered in 1971 and joined forces with the British FSE
in April 1972, seeking to change their own constitutions to allow non-Christians
as members. The French Federal Commissioner suspended the Dutch Association
and Peter Chambers, National Commissioner of the British Association. In
the Federal Assembly of 1974, with a new British National Commissioner, Roy
Howgate, relationships improved. It was in this year that the membership
of the French FSE had risen to 25,000. Much of this success can be attributed
to the fact that the FSE had the tacit support of the Catholic Church and
that it was a definite Catholic movement. In 1975 the French sponsored the
European Conference on 'Christian Scouting in the Western World', (CESCO).
As other FSE signatories were not consulted the German organisation, the
BEP called a Federal Assembly, however without the correct notice.

The French Federal Commissioner expelled the German Association. The German's
called another Assembly with the correct notice for January 1976 at Marburg.
The French FSE did not turn up, although the FSE-Alsace were present. At
this meeting, free from the French domination calls were made to restore
the 1956 aims. The French Federal Commissioner called a Federal Assembly
for February. As incorrect notice was given to the parties that met in January,
they did not turn up, or regard the meeting as legitimate.

Member Scout organisations of CESCO, not part of the original FSE, were included
in the FSE, as a result of the February Assembly. The French FSE had gone
to Vienna and gained rapprochement with the original Europa Scouts. The member
countries of the FSE were Switzerland, Austria and Italy, along with groups
representing the original four countries. The FSE in both Belgium and Holland
had split in two, pro-French and anti-French #15.

The Confederation of European Scouts (CES).
The FSE organisations attending the Marburg Assembly were expelled by the
French Federal Commissioner. A position regarded by those organisations as
unconstitutional. The organisations represented at the Marburg Assembly banded
together in December 1977 with proposals to form a new European Federation,
which was launched in November 1978 'The Confederation of European Scouts',
with Britain and its 600 members being the second largest member. The members
of the CES originally in the FSE still regard themselves as FSE groups and
are known by that title in their home countries. For example, the CES in
Britain, is known as FSE, The British Association of the European Scout
Federation #16.

Crucial to any argument, that the British FSE was not a reactionary organisation
due to the Boy Scouts Association's Advance Party Report, is the fact that
it was founded in 1959, i.e. 7 years before the Report. The British FSE's
own official history seeks to convey such an impression. The confession in
their history that "The FSE did eventually start to admit 'breakaway' groups"
#17 is a clue to the British FSE's real identity post 1974. In 1975 there
was no single group or any leaders in membership of the British FSE that
could trace their membership back into the 1960s. The first two National
Commissioners, Peter Chambers (1959-1972) and Roy Howgate (1972-1974) had
also ceased to be members. By 1979, Paul Hindle, National Commissioner
(1974-1978), the person who had done much to develop the British FSE beyond
its original London base, was no longer a member. Two of the late 1960s groups
had left to become independent groups; the Newham Explorer Scouts led by
Roy Howgate, flourished in Newham as an independent group, and the 27th Bermonsie
led by Charlie Morris and then by his son, Peter Morris, ceased in the late
1970s. A further group that joined in 1971 left to become a strong independent
group, 207th Sheffield (Bents Green Methodist), until its fortunes changed
when in January 1993 it joined the Baden-Powell Scouts Association. Against
these losses were gains made in 1975 through defections of groups from the
Baden-Powell Scouts Association due to leadership quarrels. Other gains were
made from The Scout Association with such as the 2nd St Ives Sea Scouts,
renamed 7th/8th Cambridgeshire St Ives Sea Scouts. The post 1974 leadership
until very recently knew nothing of the undertaking Peter Chambers had made
in 1965 over the nomenclature of the Association and returned to the use
of such titles as 'Scout' and 'Cub', and amidst the Peterborough County Court
arguments over title to property in relation to the St Ives Group, the Scout
Association challenged the use of the title 'Sea Scouts' which had been protected
by an Order in Council issued in 1967, under the Chartered Associations
(Protection of Names and Uniforms) Act 1926. The Leader of the Group stated
in reply that they had used the term 'FSE Sea Scouts' to differentiate
themselves, but the Court did not accept the subtle prefix of 'FSE' and issued
judgement against the Group using the title 'Sea Scouts' #18. The case at
Peterborough County Court, Marsh and Others v Johnson and Others was the
first example of the use (and successful use) of the 1926 Act against a rival
scout association, organised for bone-fide purposes.

The National Rover Scout Council.
In 1970 Dr Geoff Tattersall of the 207th Sheffield (Bents Green Methodist)
Scout Group had sought to rescue Rover Scouting, whilst his group was still
in membership of The Scout Association. He had contact with members of the
Scout Action Group and the FSE. On the weekend 21st/22nd November 1970, Dr
Tattersall chaired a National Rover Scout Council in Sheffield to establish
an organisation to encourage and register Rover Scout Crews and Lone Rovers.
The Council was to be independent of both the FSE and the B-P Scouts, as
already an element of rivalry existed between the latter two organisations.
This was not helped by the fact, that the then Chairman of the B-P Scouts,
the Reverend Bill Dowling (a URC Minister) had been a member of the FSE but
had been expelled. The Council came to nought, because the Rovers who displayed
an interest were usually Scoutmasters as well, and supported the organisation
with which their Group was registered. By May 1970 the 207th Sheffield had
been expelled from the Scout Association because it maintained the original
uniform. A further attempt was made by Dr Tattersall, December 1971/January
1972 to set up a semi-independent Rover Section within the FSE, the 207th
Sheffield now carrying the additional designation of 1st Yorks F.S.E. Dr
Tattersall had been asked by his new Association to draw up a draft constitution
for a Rover Section. This allowed for independent Rover Crews to join, or
Rover Crews as part of groups not in the FSE. Whilst a strong Rover Section
did emerge within the FSE, no Crews outside the FSE were in membership and
soon afterwards, the Sheffield Group left the FSE to become an independent
Scout Group.

The British Scout Federation / The Outlanders.
At the beginning of 1978 Ian Nicolson (1st/2nd & 6th Hampshire) and Fred
Torr (2nd/3rd Nottinghamshire) left the FSE with their Groups to form 'The
British Scout Federation' which was renamed in 1979 as 'The Outlanders',
a term B-P used for those who could not make the full Scout Promise. Early
1979 the Outlanders was registered as a Charity. The original design of the
badge that the British Scout Federation had chosen for their symbol, was
the Jacob's Staff, inside the outline of a fleur-de-lys. The Staff had been
the emblem of the 1937 World Jamboree, the last Jamboree Baden-Powell attended.
The Outlanders continued with a plain Staff removed from its fleur-de-lys.
A third group joined as an affiliated group in March/April 1978 - 1st
Chesterfield which had been a Baden-Powell Scout Group and had become an
independent group. Contact with this Scout group was provided by Roy Worthy
who had joined the new organisation and who had been a Province Commissioner
in the FSE living in Chesterfield. Worthy's membership was short-lived only
surviving until Jan/Feb 1979. Contact was lost with the Chesterfield group
due to Roy Worthy's resignation. Fred Torr died June/July 1979, leading to
the loss of the Nottingham Group. The remaining group continued the Outlanders
as a separate organisation until 1988, when it merged with the British Boy
Scouts for a period of 6 years until 1994 when it re-established as an
independent organisation under Ian Nicolson's leadership.

The British Pathfinder Scouts Association (BPSA) / Rover Scouts Explorer
Association.
After a chequered career as a leader within the Scout Association, Steve
Dudley-Coventry set up his own local organisation in Harrow, 'The Venturers'.
After moving to Luton he joined the Baden Powell Scouts Association in 1992,
leading the 1st Luton Sea Scouts, to become the 1st Luton Marine Scouts Jan-March
1993 in the BBS. He rejoined the BPSA mid 1993, before setting up 'The British
Pathfinder Scout Association' in August 1993. Raymond Hampton who had also
run his own Scout organisation -'The Fulham Explorers', had joined forces
with Dudley-Coventry. The Pathfinders were joined by another group, 1st Phoenix
Beaumont Scouts, Leyton (which had become a BBS group for a month). In September
1993, the Pathfinders were registered as a Charity at Law. The British
Pathfinders was wound up in April 1998 after the death of Steve Dudley-Coventry,
with badge stocks (the only assets that remained) being handed over to the
British Boy Scouts. A remnant of Dudley-Coventry's outfit remained led by
Raymond Hampton, known as the Explorers Association, or Rover Scouts Explorer
Association.

Independent Scout Groups (ie single local units).
Further sub-divisions within independent Scouting were created, with several
groups existing on their own. Details of eight such groups have emerged during
the research for this book, but these only represent those groups who have
had contact beyond their locality usually by membership of one of the independent
Scouting Associations registered as charities. Most of these have already
been noted.

Schismatic FSE Groups; 'The Newham Explorer Scouts' - circa 1974-2001,
when following the arrest of the ex-Leader for paedophile offences, brought
about co-operation of the organisation (with a Camp Site, in Berkshire, a
farm in France, and an Office in London!) with the BBS. '27th Bermonsie'
1970-1979 ceased existence, '207th Sheffield Bents Green Methodist' 1970-1993
joined B-PSA.

Schismatic BBS Groups; 'The 1st Bucks Rangers' August 1986-1988, formed
from members of the Aylesbury BBS Rover Crew. Became a concern of one local
paper as being 'Para Military' #19. The Group lasted two years before finally
folding. '1st Phoenix Beaumont Scouts' founded July 1993, created from former
Scout Leaders of the 1st Waltham Forest Scout Group. Joined the British
Pathfinder Scout Association in August 1993.

Founded as true independents; 'The Dulwich Explorer Scouts' circa
1969 led by Bill Peto. The Troop joined the B-P Scouts at their formation
in 1970, and folded in 1987. 'The Fulham Explorers' circa 1982, Queen's Road,
Richmond, led by Raymond Hampton. 'The Venturers', circa 1986 formed by Steve
Dudley Coventry in the Harrow District which lasted 6 years.

Other Organisations.
In the early 1970s further changes in The Scout Association and The Girl
Guide Association in the UK led to further schism. Most of the original B-P
Guild of Old Scouts, an allied, although, independent organisation #20, gave
up this independence and was absorbed into The Scout Association as an integral
part under the title 'Scout Fellowship'. However several Guild Branches did
not join and have formed The B-P Guild of Great Britain.
Changes within the Girl Guides Association abolishing the Sea Ranger section
brought about 'The Sea Rangers Association' now flourishing.
In 1988 the Scout and Guide Graduate Association, which had been recognised
as an affiliated organisation to both the Guides and Scouts was de-affiliated
by both Associations leaving it an orphaned organisation.

The Brotherhood of British Scouts from the 1970s-1990s.
The significance of the British Boy Scouts as an alternative Scout organisation
had been eclipsed by the schisms of the 1970s. Even before this, with the
lack of media attention, publications from within the Boy Scouts Association
(post 1967 The Scout Association) could afford to dismiss the BBS as a closed
chapter. In 1950 E E Reynolds could comment "a few isolated groups of the
British Boy Scouts lingered for many years" #21. John Sinclair in the SAGGA
Journal April 1968 commented on the BBS of the 1920s "it does not seem to
have survived much longer" #22. By the end of 1982, no trace of the Lewisham
BBS Troop was to be found. The redundant railway station that had provided
the local Troop headquarters since the 1950s and the national Headquarters
since 1971, had been vacated, and the large British Boy Scouts notice board
that had proudly advertised their presence had been taken down.

This event did not however proclaim the demise of the BBS. On 3rd August
1983 the front page of the Nottingham Evening Post carried the heading "SCOUTS
'BARRED' FROM NOTTS CAMP" followed by a story about four BBS members being
ejected from a Scout Association camp site. The debate about the ejection
continued in editions 4th August and 8th August. Media attention revealed
that the BBS had survived into the 1980s, but now based in Nottingham some
125 miles away from the Lewisham base of the 1970s.

The British Boy Scout's survival pre-dates that episode of 1983. In 1978,
the Author was an Ordinand of the Church of England at St Stephen's House,
Oxford, who had been a Boy Scout in the pre-1966 Boy Scouts Association.
Found amongst items in the College Library was the Rover Crew Log Book, covering
the years 1934-1966. This inspired the revival of the College Rover Crew
previously wound up, due to the Advance Party Report that had abolished Rovers.
The Crew gained contact and registered with the 'breakaway' Baden-Powell
Scouts Association. The Secretary of the Baden-Powell Scouts at that time,
Brian Tooley, wrote to the Rover Crew providing details of all the B-P Scout
Groups, FSE Scout Groups, and other Independent Scout Groups in the UK. Because
of this letter, the Author began the process of archiving information on
all the Scout organisations, outside of the main Association. In April 1978,
the Author travelled to Lewisham to locate the last remaining BBS Troop and
met with Charles Brown, the Chief Commissioner of the BBS.

Charles Brown told the Author, that he had been contacted by the British
Federation du Scoutisme Europeen (FSE) sometime in the mid 1960s about the
FSE joining the British Boy Scouts. Peter Chambers wished to use a Fleur-de-lys
as a BBS Badge, but Charles Brown showed the same reluctance to adopt a
Fleur-de-lys as the Battersea Leaders did to Sir Francis Vane. The difference
was that the FSE Leader, was not in membership of the BBS, and was only
negotiating the request prior to the FSE's potential membership of the BBS.
Brown was not aware that there had been a BBS Fleur-de-lys as an additional
membership badge, and had refused the request and discontinued all contact.
Brown was later contacted by the Baden-Powell Scouts Association in the early
1970s. The B-PSA leaders considered Brown's troop at Lewisham as a potential
troop for their own organisation, but he had maintained isolation #23. It
was this isolation that prevented the BBS from experiencing any new growth
in the early 1970s. With only a single troop in the BBS, Charles Brown may
well have feared being swamped and losing control. In addition if the BBS
had been taken over by, or absorbed into, either organisation as an additional
troop, it would have robbed the BBS of its own unique history and identity.

The fact that the Reverend Arthur Couratin had been the Group Scoutmaster
to the Lewisham troop when it belonged to the Boy Scout's Association (1930-1935)
and left to become the Chaplain, and subsequently, the Principal of St Stephen's
House Oxford from 1936 onwards, provided a common link that made Charles
Brown open to contact with St Stephen's House Rover Crew. Because of this,
the St Stephen's House Rover Crew (30th Oxford) affiliated to the BBS 19th
April 1978 #24, withdrawing from the Baden-Powell Scouts Association. As
a result of an influx of members from other colleges the Crew became registered
as a University Society 'The Oxford University Rover Crew' #25 and for a
short period was a corporate member of 'The Oxford University Scout and Guide
Group' registered within the Scout Association ! #26 As is the way with
University Societies the Rover Crew came to an end in 1981. However one non
University member revived the Crew in 1989 as a Church Scout Group in Cowley
Oxford. In 1981 whilst at a Parish in London, the Author founded a further
Rover Crew under the BBS, the North/East London Rover Crew. The members of
the Crew trained jointly with the 1st Waltham Forest Independent Scout Group
#27.

Charles Brown continued with a Troop in Lewisham until July 1982 when he
retired to Canterbury. In May of the same year, the Author became Vicar of
Holy Trinity Church in the Team Ministry of Clifton Nottingham. This quickly
became the base of a Girl Scout Troop and two Rover Crews. Whilst at Nottingham
in the following year, on June 27th 1983 the Author was appointed Chief
Commissioner of the BBS, Charles Brown becoming the Grand Scout. After 10
years of retirement from an active role as Scoutmaster, Charles Brown died
on the 23rd November 1992 at 81 years of age. Invited by the Chief Commissioner,
Ted Scott succeeded Brown as the Grand Scout. This fact would have pleased
Pooley, had he been alive. Charles Brown followed on from Manning as Grand
Scout and had been his protege. Both had been in close contact with each
other, isolating Pooley. Manning and Brown's BBS would have been viewed by
Pooley as too secular, whilst Pooley's BBS was too sabbatarian for Manning
and Brown #28. Ted Scott had been a close friend of Mr Pooley caring for
his welfare in later life, and represented more of what the BBS had been
under Pooley's leadership. The Grand Scout's position, being one of honour,
and the Chief Commissioner's, being that of the day to day running of the
Association had been restored, as it had existed under Lord Alington and
Pooley.

From 1983 onwards the BBS, hitherto - just surviving, found new life, if
somewhat fragile. In 1985 an Independent Scout Group, the 1st Waltham Forest
affiliated with the BBS but under its own constitution. By 1994, the Group
had lost its headquarters, and was wound up. In 1988, 'The Outlanders' an
independent Scouting organisation formed by ex-FSE members led by Ian Nicolson,
merged with the BBS for a period of 6 years, until 1994 when it re-established
its independence. Further troops were founded onwards; Aylesbury (1986-1989),
Forest Gate (1987-1990) Oxford (1988-1995), Lydbrook (1989) and Crymych,
Dyfed (1996-1999) Gussage St. Michael, Dorset (2001). These troops (with
the exceptions of Oxford and Crymych) followed the path of the career of
the Author, the troops withering away after he had moved on, due to a lack
of leaders committed to continuing the BBS. Oxford had the benefit of a committed
Rover Scout who continued a BBS presence until sadly he died of cancer. Crymych
was raised as a new Troop by a Scoutmaster who once ran the 22nd Waltham
Forest B-P Scout Group, bud died suddenly in 1999. From 1992 onwards, other
troops came over from the Baden-Powell Scouts Association due to disagreements
with the B-P Scout Leadership in the following locations; Norwich, Birmingham,
Liverpool, Dormansland (Surrey), Reading, Newcastle, Derby, Brierley Lancs,
with only Reading and Brierly surviving to 2001 #29. The total troop number
rarely expanding beyond 6 at any one time.

In addition to the acquisition of new Troops, contact was re-established
with membership of the BBS from as far back as 1909. The continued interest
has not been generated from the new Headquarters but has continued in such
areas as Cirencester, where in April 1982 an 'Old Boys' reunion was held
during the period they had thought the BBS had finished. A further reunion
was held in September 1985 with the new Chief Commissioner as a Guest.

The founding of the Aylesbury Troops brought to light a challenge from the
Girl Guides Association. In March 1986 the Aylesbury British Girl Scouts
circulated pamphlets as part of a recruitment drive. The back of the leaflet
contained the statement, "The British Girl Scouts were founded in 1909".
Not long afterwards a letter was received from the General Secretary of the
Girl Guides Association;
"The Girl Guides Association's Archivist can find no justification for your
claim that 'The British Girl Scouts were founded in 1909', and we ask you
either to substantiate the claim or to withdraw it." #30

An initial reply sought the reason for their request and in April a second
letter #31 was received re-enforcing this request. In May a four paged reply
was forwarded citing all the documentary evidence for the claim #32. The
demands ceased as no reply to this letter was ever received, thanking the
BBS for generously sharing the results of its research !

This is in direct contrast with The Scout Association, where the Headquarters
personnel when in direct contact with the Author, have been more than courteous
and helpful. Access to their Archives was essential in recovering many of
the historic details on the British Boy Scouts. Liaison over individuals
who should not be allowed to work with children has also been beneficial.
However, activities over and beyond the need to protect young people seem
still exist, as is evidenced by the recording of intelligence on scout leaders
of other scout organisations independent from their own. An internal memo
between Tony Bolton a field Commissioner and Nigel Stevenson, the Association
Secretary, details intelligence on the Author in his move from a Parish in
Aylesbury to Durning Hall an East End Settlement #35;

"Rev'd Michael Foster.

You have recently queried any news of the above gentleman.
Early this year, he applied for, and was successful, the post of Deputy Warden
at the Durning Hall Community Centre, Forest Gate...
Mr Foster........makes no secret about his connections with 'The Brotherhood
of British Scouts'. Indeed, he has a Land Rover, which is usually parked
at Durning Hall, which has 'British Scouts' #33 emblazoned all over the
sides!.
Mr Foster makes no attempt to form any alternative 'Scout' activity at Durning
Hall, but would of course, have all the necessary facilities there to print
and publish his magazine,
When he applied for the job, the present Warden queried with our GSL #34
Mr Foster's claim to be connected with the 'Scouts', and through me was able
to explain the position. So the interviewing panel, and the Board of Management
all clearly understood his connections have not been with the established
Scout Association.

If there are any developments I will let you know." #36

The Order of World Scouts.
Contacts with Scout Leaders abroad re-awakened an interest in the Order of
World Scouts. In addition to individual members abroad in such countries
as the United States of America, Ireland and Hawaii., Scouting organisations
connected to the BBS, exist together under the banner of the Order of World
Scouts; Australia, Canada, and Italy, with enquiries from Mexico.

Scouts of Australia.
In Australia mid-1986 an un-incorporated organisation was formed known as
the 'Independent Scouts' with a membership composed entirely of Queen's Scouts
#37. One of its aims was to promote reforms within the main organisation.
The organisation sought to advance the view that each local group was legally
autonomous from the Headquarters. In 1986, with an enlarged membership the
organisation became known as the 'Independent Scouts of Australia'. In February
1988 the Association, having registered the name 'Independent SCOUTS OF AUSTRALIA
Incorporated', sought to incorporate under the laws of the New South Wales
Territory. However the incorporation awaited a new National Corporation Law,
and on the 24th June 1992, the Association was incorporated as Scouts of
Australia #38.

The 'Scouts of Australia' gained contact with the BBS in the UK, in 1990
via the publicity given to the BBS in Tim Jeal's biography on Baden-Powell
published in 1989. On 22nd April 1991 Robert Campbell of the 'Scouts of
Australia' was made a Commissioner in the BBS, followed on the 6th June by
the appointment as Chief Commissioner for the BBS & BGS in Australia.
The day following the incorporation, 25th June 1992, the "Scouts of Australia"
and "Each and every member of the Scouts of Australia" were made members
of the British Boy Scouts and British Girl Scouts Association. In this way
a counterpart organisation to the BBS in the UK was re-established in Australia.

Order of World Scouts in Canada.
Eight years on from the re-introduction of the BBS to Australia, the BBS
began a revival in Canada. In 1996 the BBS had created its own Web Site on
the Internet. This modern tool of communication, has meant that information
on the BBS, and the Order of World Scouts is available to anyone world wide,
with access to a computer and telephone line. Via the Internet, contact was
made with Scout Leaders in Canada who were dissatisfied with the breakaway
Baden-Powell Scout s Association of Canada. On the 27th August 1999, Bill
Nangle was appointed BBS Chief Commissioner for Canada. Bill alongside other
leaders formed the 'Canadian Independent Scout Association'. By November
2000, the differences between many of these leaders and the B-PSA had been
healed with the creation of a Canadian Federation, 'The Canadian Federation
of Independent Scouting' to which the Candanian BPSA and the new CISA belonged.
In April 2001 the CISA had joined the B-PSA World Federation. However, loyal
Leaders to the BBS, led by Bill Nangle remained in Canada under the banner
of the Order of World Scouts.

Looking to the Future, The British Boy Scouts and other
Independents.
It is difficult to predict the future with any accuracy, but the phenomenon
of Independent Scouting is a growing one, both in the number of organisations
and membership. Amongst these organisations there is a lot of cross
fertilisation.

Joint camps have been commonplace. In the early 1970s the Sea Rangers Association
for a period shared a joint insurance scheme with the B-P Scouts. In the
mid 1970s an Independent Scout Press was founded, 'ISO', which began publishing
an Independent Scout Magazine 'Action Scout' which provided a platform for
discussion and dissemination of ideas #39. Various meetings have been held
from time to time between the independent Groups, the B-P Scouts and FSE.
A tripartite meeting was held in Lydbrook on the 28th September 1991 between
the BBS, B-P Scouts and FSE. In February 1992 discussions were held between
the B-P Scouts Association and the BBS to consider amalgamation under the
BBS title. The proposals were aborted in January 1993 #40. In September 1995,
and November 1996, FSE Officials attended a meeting of the BBS Commissioners
and Scoutmasters for a joint discussion on mutual co-operation.

The future for a single united independent organisation of traditionalists,
whilst not beyond the bounds of possibilities is a remote one, as the tendency
has been to sub-divide. The reason for this is a pragmatic one. As an
organisation gets larger, the level of leadership and control becomes more
remote from those who may be keen on taking an active part at this level,
especially if they have exercised or been near to exercising leadership in
this way. There is a correlation between the size of an organisation and
its level of bureaucracy. It was the issue of the emerging bureaucracy of
the Boy Scout movement that helped created the British Boy Scouts in 1909.
The debate about democracy within the Scout Association continues to be a
live issue, with occasional discontent being voiced #41.

Any rapprochement between the independents and The Scout Association is certainly
remote. Whilst The Scout Association can accommodate the latest fashions
in its striving for modernity, its management and structures cannot cope
with pluralism. Equally the traditionalists will be reluctant to identify
with an organisation moving further away from the image of scouting they
know and understand.

The Scout movement world-wide demonstrates much the same picture. Despite
the cartel operated by the World Scout Organisation, some 80+ independent
organisations exist world-wide, with the list still growing #42. Although
the independent Scouts in the UK are small in number, given the membership
of the FSE in Europe alone, the combined membership will exceed the previous
membership of Vane's World Scouts #43. However this no longer represents
the same element of rivalry as the World Scout Organisation now claims a
membership of some 16 million #44.

As with the domestic situation in the UK, within this world community of
'schismatic' organisations there is contact between organisations. The FSE
and CES already provide pan-European co-operation and the FSE have an affiliated
Association in French Canada. The Baden-Powell Scouts Association has similar
links with Troops in Denmark, Ireland, Australia, Canada and Russia, under
the title of the World Federation of Independent Scouts. The BBS has individual
membership overseas #45 in addition to the counterpart Scout organisations
in Australia, Canada and Italy #46. However both in Australia (early 1990s)
and Canada, legal action by the main Associations has prevented the B-P Scouts
using the term "Scout" in their titles.

The sometime Editor of the Independent Scout magazine 'Action Scout' foresaw
the possibility of some informal alliance between independent Scouts world-wide
that will not compromise the autonomy of the organisations concerned #47.
If this were to become a reality, a further alternative single world scout
organisation will exist after a gap of eighty years since Vane's Order of
World Scouts. However pluralism has seen the continuation of Vane's Order,
followed by the addition of world organisations for both the B-P Scouts and
the FSE.

REFERENCES
#1 St Stephen's House Rover Crew Log Book 1934-1979 BBS Archives.
#2 From information given to the Author by David Bevan whilst members of
the Rover Crew in 1979.
#3 The Boy Scouts Association 1966.
#4 AS ISO, Autumn 1988, Pages 12 & 13. AS ISO, Autumn 1989, Page 9.
#5 Daily Express 1st October 1968.
#6 Jeal, B-P, Page 396.
#7 B-P News Issue No. 60 September 1990 ISSN 0267-7849.
#8 The Author acknowledges that the historical details of the Federation
du Scoutisme Europeen, and the Confederation of European Scouts (below) given
here only form a sketch outline, and apart from a few details little results
from original research. An adequate account would require fuller treatment
and as such is beyond the scope of this present work. One of the difficulties
with the British FSE is that, in its brief history, its first 3 National
Leaders have ceased to be members of the organisation. In 1978, I managed
to trace one of the ex-National Leaders who was reluctant to discuss the
FSE's history with me, but said he would send me details. These never arrived.
The details of the account presented are culled from; Woodsmoke, Issue 14
Volume 1/76, Page 18. AS ISO Issue 12 First Series, ISO Nov 76/Jan 77, Pages
4-6. AS ISO 3rd Series Issue 1 Spring 1988 Pages 12-14. AS ISO Issue 2 Autumn
1988 Pages 17-19.
#9 Confidential internal memo G G Pierce to A W Hurll Legal Secretary The
Scout Association 27th January 1965 GGP/BM Scout Association Archives.
#10 FSE Handbook Volume three, Constitution and Administration 1975, Page
1. FSE Handbook Volume three, Constitution and Administration 1979, Page
36.
#11 Letter from Geoffery Paget-King President of the FSE to interested parties,
1st January 1970. Copy in BBS Archives.
#12 The leaders were The Reverend W C Dowling, Mr Roy Howgate and Mr Charlie
Morris. Information contained in letter as above (#11).
#13 The Scout Association, internal memorandum 'Baden-Powell Scouts and European
Scout Federation' from Mr J Olden, Public Relations Officer to Commissioners.
9th August 1984. Numbers reported by the FSE to a joint meeting with the
BBS, 31st November 1996 at Longbridge, Birmingham placed the numbers to just
below 30 Groups, and expanding.
#14 AS ISO Issue 12 First Series, Nov 76/Jan 77, Pages 4-6.
#15 FSE Handbook Volume three, Constitution and Administration 1979, Pages
35-37. Woodsmoke, Issue 24 Volume 4/78, Last 3 pages (pages un-numbered).
#16 Official Letterheads. Copy in BBS Archives.
#17 FSE Handbook Volume three, Constitution and Administration 1975, Page
1. FSE Handbook Volume three, Constitution and Administration 1979, Page
36.
#18 See Daily Express Tuesday November 14th 1995.
Details of the challenge over the use of 'Sea Scouts' gained from discussions
between Martin Johnson, Leader of the St Ives Group and the Author 5th February
1996 and 28th August 1996. The final Summary and Judgement given by the Judge
was heard at Kings Lynn Court.
A previous use of the Act had been against an individual. The Scouter published
for Scoutmasters by the Boy Scouts Association contains for February 1934,
this note under Headquarters Notices, "Chartered Associations (Protection
of Names and Uniforms) Act. A person was lately proceeded against under the
above Act; for falsely representing himself to be a Scoutmaster. He was fined
the full penalty of 10 or two months imprisonment".
#19 Aylesbury and Wendover Times February 20th 1987.
#20 The Boy Scouts Association, Policy Organisation & Rules 1959, Appendix
A Page 137. Note on The B-P Scout Guild.
#21 Reynolds, ScM, Page 64.
#22 Sinclair, SAGGA, Page 3.
#23 The information on the contact between the BBS, the FSE and the B-PSA
was provided by Charles Brown in an interview with the Author May 1978.
#24 Letter of Affiliation in BBS Archives.
#25 see 'The Oxford Handbook' OU Students Union 1978 Page 117; 'The Oxford
Handbook' OU Students Union 1979 Page 201.
#26 Membership card for Trinity Term 1978 in Crew Log Book. BBS Archives.
Due to complaints of the University Scout and Guide Group members this
arrangement was not renewed for the following term.
#27 In 1972/3 the 22nd Walthamstow Sea Scout Group left the Scout Association
to become the 22nd Waltham Forest Sea Scout Group within the Baden-Powell
Scouts Association. In 1978, 3 Leaders left this Group to form the 1st Waltham
Forest Scout Group, within the Baden-Powell Scouts Association. This Group
became an Independent Group in 1981. The 22nd Waltham Forest Group still
exists as part of the Baden-Powell Scouts Association.
#28 In 1978, Brown considered altering the BBS Handbook, and omitting the
statement stating that the BBS was against Sunday Hikes and Games. In this
Brown would have reflected Manning's opinions. Brown stated to the Author
that Pooley had been against the Scouts being involved in such activities
on a Sunday, and that he had ignored this for many years.
#29 Details issued from time to time in The British Scout ISSN 0266-2264.
#30 19th March 1986.
#31 28th April 1986.
#32 21/5/86 Much of the 'substantiation' appears in Appendix 1 of this History
under 'Girl Scouts'.
#33 More correctly 'The British Boy Scouts' on both front doors and the National
Peace Scouts on the rear door.
#34 There is a Scout Association Group based at Durning Hall.
#35 Memo dated 1.11.88 circulated to E W Hayden - Deputy Chief Executive
Commissioner, J Fogg - Public Relations Officer and G Coombe - Archivist
4th November 1988. It is acknowledged that there is a need to have up to
date information on individuals who will place young people at risk, as well
as specific and general archival information on kindred societies and their
leaders, both of which provide a public service. The Author suspects that
the intelligence gathering as in 1933 with the use of an agent and of recent
years, goes beyond this.
#36 See the end of Chapter 5.
#37 The highest award for Scouts is the Queen's (or King's) Scout Badge.
Holders of the award are known as Queen's (or King's) Scouts.
#38 From information provided by the Scouts of Australia 1st May 1994.
#39 Action Scout (12 issues Summer 1973-November 1976), Scout Action Monthly
(SAM 5 issues 1980), Present Series Action Scout (Autumn 1988 onwards).
#40 Independent Scout Conference File, and B-PSA Discussions File, BBS Archives.
#41 see The Secret of the Galosh Maker Scout and Guide Graduate's Association
News and Ideas March 1985 Page 1 ISSN 0141-8866.
#42 List in The British Scout, ISSN 0266-2264 December 1988, Pages 13-15.
Almost the same information is included in AS ISO Issue 4 Spring 1989, Pages
40 & 41.
#43 30,000 members claimed for the FSE in France alone. AS ISO 3rd Series
Issue 1 Spring 1988 Page 14, quote from L'AURORE 23rd June 1980.
#44 Nagy, 250 Million, Page 214.
#45 The British Scout, ISSN 0266-2264 December 1984 Page 3.
#46 The British Scout, ISSN 0266-2264 June 1991 Page 2, January 1993, Page
2, November 2001, page 1.
#47 See comment in AS ISO Issue 4 Spring 1989, Page 41.